Ball Holder for Punt Training

ABSTRACT

A ball holder for punt training has a base, a length-adjustable post, a support arm, an intermediary connector, and a gripper. The ball holder is designed to be used in a set of two ball holders are positioned on opposite sides of a ball. Thus positioned, the two ball holders retain the ball at an optimal height for being punted. One end of the length-adjustable post is mounted to the base, such that the length-adjustable post is oriented perpendicular to the base. The support arm is laterally mounted onto the length-adjustable post to form a cantilever that retains the ball in a position offset from the length-adjustable post. The intermediary connector is a flexible fastening device that is connected in between the support arm and the gripper. Accordingly, the intermediary connector enables the gripper to be moved out of the way when an athlete punts the ball.

The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 62/716,452 filed on Aug. 9, 2018.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a sports training device. More specifically, the present invention relates to a ball holder device used to retain a ball at an optimal height for punting.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is an apparatus that helps teach fundamental punting concepts for coaches and players. It teaches the correct lock out point for maximum hang time and distance. It also helps practice steps for contact, dropping points, and directional punt placement. There are adjustable heights for young and growing punters. The present invention cuts down the learning curve by 75%.

Easily assembled, broken down, and transported. Easily screw on each base. Adjust the height using the easy push button spring lock. Slide the spring-loaded ball holding rod into place. Place each spring-loaded ball holder in any direction or width that best suits your individual needs. The present invention also works with Soccer and Rugby balls.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is front top left perspective view of the present invention in a deployed configuration.

FIG. 2 is a rear top right perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a left-side view of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a left-side view of the present invention in a collapsed configuration.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the present invention being used to support a ball.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the present invention in a collapsed configuration and stored in a carrying case.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1 through FIG. 6, the present invention, the ball holder for punt training, is a device used to hold a ball at the optimal height for kicking. Thus, teaching an athlete the correct lock out point for maximum hang time and travel distance for the ball. Preferably, the present invention is used as a set of two ball holders that are placed on opposite sides of the ball and retain the ball in a desired position, relative to the ground. The present invention makes use of a flexible or deformable gripper system that holds the ball in place yet offers little resistance to the foot of the athlete kicking the ball. To achieve this functionality, the present invention comprises a base 1, a length-adjustable post 2, a support arm 3, an intermediary connector 4 and a gripper 5. The length-adjustable post 2 is a support member that can be adjusted to hold the ball at various heights relative to the ground. To that end, the base 1 is terminally mounted to the length-adjustable post 2. Additionally, the length-adjustable post 2 is oriented perpendicular to the base 1. Accordingly, the length-adjustable post 2 and the base 1 form a vertical riser.

Referring to FIG. 1, the support arm 3 is laterally mounted onto the length-adjustable post 2. Additionally, the support arm 3 is positioned offset from the base 1 along the length-adjustable post 2. Thus positioned, the support arm 3 forms a cantilever that is used to retain the ball at a position laterally offset from the length-adjustable support post 22. The intermediary connector 4 is a flexible fastening system capable of being elastically deformed. The gripper 5 is an end effector used to grasp the ball. These two components work in concert to enable the ball to be retained at a desired position for kicking without any risk of injury to the athlete. Specifically, the intermediary connector 4 is terminally mounted onto the support arm 3 and is positioned offset from the length-adjustable post 2 along the support arm 3. Additionally, the gripper 5 is mounted adjacent to the intermediary connector 4, opposite to the support arm 3. As a result, the intermediary connector 4 enables the gripper 5 to hold the ball stable before the ball is kicked. Further, the intermediary connector 4 is able to be deformed when the athlete kicks the ball. Thus, ensuring that the athlete is not injured by colliding with the gripper 5 during a punt.

Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the present invention is designed to be a modular system that can be assembled and disassembled for deployment and transport. To facilitate this, the present invention further comprises a post-receiving receptacle 11. The post-receiving receptacle 11 is mounted onto the base 1. Additionally, the length-adjustable post 2 engages into the post-receiving receptacle 11. Consequently, the post-receiving receptacle 11 forms a connection mechanism that retains the length-adjustable post 2 in a perpendicular orientation relative to the base 1 when the present invention is in a deployed configuration. Preferably, a female threaded member is laterally mounted within the post-receiving receptacle 11 and a corresponding male threaded member is laterally mounted around the length-adjustable post 2. Thus, the length-adjustable post 2 will not be accidentally dislodged when the ball is kicked by the athlete. Alternatively, the post-receiving receptacle 11 and the length-adjustable post 2 are coupled with various attachment mechanisms including, but not limited to, interlocking tabs, magnetic couplers, and set screws. In the deployed configuration, the length-adjustable post 2 is perpendicularly mounted onto the base 1 by the post-receiving receptacle 11. Additionally, the support arm 3 is cantilevered from the length-adjustable post 2. Finally, the intermediary connector 4 is mounted in between the support arm 3 and the gripper 5. While in the collapsed configuration, the post is detached from the base 1 and the support arm 3 is detached from the length-adjustable post 2. In some embodiments a specialty carrying case is used to store the present invention while in the collapsed configuration.

Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 5, as described above, the length-adjustable post 2 is a user-adjustable support member that retains the support arm 3 at a desired height, relative to the ground. To facilitate this, the length-adjustable post 2 comprises a sleeve 21, a support post 22, and a length-adjustment mechanism 23. The support post 22 is slidably engaged within the sleeve 21 so that the overall length of the length-adjustable post 2 can be modified by extending or retracting the support post 22 relative to the sleeve 21. The length-adjustment mechanism 23 is a device used to govern the length of the support post 22 that is extended out of the sleeve 21. Additionally, the length-adjustment mechanism 23 is integrated in between the support post 22 and the sleeve 21. As a result, the length-adjustment mechanism 23 is able to permit or prohibit motion of the post relative to the sleeve 21. In an alternative embodiment, the length-adjustable post 2 is a telescoping beam.

Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, preferably, the length-adjustment mechanism 23 comprises a plurality of adjustment holes 231 and at least one spring-loaded peg 232. The plurality of adjustment holes 231 laterally traverses through the sleeve 21. Further, the plurality of adjustment holes 231 is distributed along the sleeve 21. Accordingly, the plurality of adjustment holes 231 function as a series of anchor points positioned at increasing heights, relative to the ground. The spring-loaded peg 232 is laterally integrated into the support post 22. Additionally, the spring-loaded peg 232 engages into an arbitrary hole 233 from the plurality of adjustment holes 231. As a result, the user is able to modify the overall length of the length-adjustable post 2 by depressing the spring-loaded peg 232, sliding the support post 22 along the sleeve 21, and then releasing the spring-loaded peg 232 into the arbitrary hole 233 that is positioned at a desired height relative to the ground. In an alternative embodiment, the length-adjustment mechanism 23 is a motorized device that automatically extends or retracts the length-adjustable post 2. Some embodiments of the present invention are designed with various types of length-adjustment mechanisms 23 including, but not limited to hydraulic pistons, spring-loaded systems, servomotors, and solenoids.

Referring to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, as Described above, the present invention is designed to be easily assembled and disassembled. To facilitate this, the present invention further comprises at least one mounting hole 6. The mounting hole 6 laterally traverses through the length-adjustable post 2 and is positioned offset from the base 1 across the length-adjustable post 2. Thus positioned, the mounting hole 6 forms an attachment point for the support arm 3. Specifically, the support arm 3 engages into the mounting hole 6 so that the support arm 3 is retained at a position that facilitates holding the ball. Preferably, a female threaded member is laterally mounted within the mounting hole 6 and a corresponding male threaded member is laterally mounted around the support arm 3. Thus, the support arm 3 will not be accidentally dislodged when the ball is kicked by the athlete. Alternatively, the mounting hole 6 and support arm 3 are coupled with various attachment mechanisms including, but not limited to, interlocking tabs, magnetic couplers, and set screws. In some embodiments, the support arm 3 is slidably engaged within the mounting hole 6. As a result, the athlete can modify the distance that the ball is positioned offset from the length-adjustable post 2. In some embodiments of the present invention, the at least one mounting hole 6 is a plurality of mounting holes that is distributed along the length-adjustable post 2. In these embodiments the plurality of mounting holes laterally traverses through both the sleeve 21 and the support post 22. Thus, enabling the athlete to mount multiple support arms 3 to the length-adjustable post 2. Alternatively, the athlete is able to mount the support arm 3 at multiple locations along the length-adjustable post 2.

Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 5, the intermediary connector 4 comprises an arm-receiving receptacle 41 and a flexible fastener 42. Preferably, the flexible fastener 42 is a spring. However, embodiments of the flexible fastener 42 use flexible systems including, but not limited to, rubber supports, leaf springs, and deformable plastics. The support arm 3 engages into the arm-receiving receptacle 41. Additionally, the flexible fastener 42 is adjacently connected to the arm-receiving receptacle 41, opposite to the support arm 3. Further, the flexible fastener 42 is connected in between the arm-receiving receptacle 41 and the gripper 5. Thus, the intermediary connector 4 forms the deformable fastener that enables the gripper 5 to be moved out of the way when the athlete kicks the ball.

Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, preferably, the gripper 5 is a V-shaped tool that is pressed against one side of the ball before the ball is kicked. To facilitate this, the gripper 5 comprises a first leg 51, a second leg 52, a first cap 53, and a second cap 54. The first leg 51 is terminally connected to the second leg 52. Additionally, the second leg 52 is angularly offset from the first leg 51. Accordingly, the first leg 51 and the second leg 52 form a bracket that can be pressed against a side of the ball. When the set of two ball holders is used, the gripper 5 of a first ball holder is pressed against to a first side of the ball. Likewise, the gripper 5 of a second ball holder is pressed against to a second side of the ball. The intermediary connector 4 is attached to the terminal connection between the first leg 51 and the second leg 52. Consequently, the intermediary connector 4 enables the gripper 5 to evenly distribute retentive forces across the side of the ball. The first cap 53 and the second cap 54 are texturized covers. Additionally, the first cap 53 is terminally attached to the first leg 51, opposite to the second leg 52. Similarly, the second cap 54 is terminally attached to the second leg 52, opposite to the first leg 51. As a result, the first cap 53 and the second cap 54 prevent the ball from slipping out of place when being supported by the present invention.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A ball holder for punt training comprising: a base; a length-adjustable post; a support arm; an intermediary connector; a gripper; the base being terminally mounted to the length-adjustable post; the length-adjustable post being oriented perpendicular to the base; the support arm being laterally mounted onto the length-adjustable post; the support arm being positioned offset from the base along the length-adjustable post; the intermediary connector being terminally mounted onto the support arm; the intermediary connector being positioned offset from the length-adjustable post along the support arm; and the gripper being mounted adjacent to the intermediary connector, opposite to the support arm.
 2. The ball holder for punt training as claimed in claim 1 comprising: a post-receiving receptacle; the post receiving receptacle being mounted onto the base; and the length-adjustable post engaging into the post receiving receptacle.
 3. The ball holder for punt training as claimed in claim 1 comprising: the length-adjustable post comprising a sleeve, a support post, and a length-adjustment mechanism; the support post being slidably engaged within the sleeve; and the length-adjustment mechanism being integrated in between the support post and the sleeve.
 4. The ball holder for punt training as claimed in claim 3 comprising: the length-adjustment mechanism comprising a plurality of adjustment holes and at least one spring-loaded peg; the plurality of adjustment holes laterally traversing through the sleeve; the plurality of adjustment holes being distributed along the sleeve; the spring-loaded peg being laterally integrated into the support post; and the spring-loaded peg engaging into an arbitrary hole from the plurality of adjustment holes.
 5. The ball holder for punt training as claimed in claim 1 comprising: at least one mounting hole; the mounting hole laterally traversing through the length-adjustable post; the mounting hole being positioned offset from the base across the length-adjustable post; and the support arm engaging into the mounting hole.
 6. The ball holder for punt training as claimed in claim 1 comprising: the intermediary connector comprising an arm-receiving receptacle and a flexible fastener; the support arm engaging into the arm-receiving receptacle; the flexible fastener being adjacently connected to the arm-receiving receptacle, opposite to the support arm; and the flexible fastener being connected in between the arm-receiving receptacle and the gripper.
 7. The ball holder for punt training as claimed in claim 6, wherein the flexible fastener is a spring.
 8. The ball holder for punt training as claimed in claim 1 comprising: the gripper comprising a first leg and a second leg; the first leg being terminally connected to the second leg; the second leg being angularly offset from the first leg; and the intermediary connector being attached to the terminal connection between the first leg and the second leg.
 9. The ball holder for punt training as claimed in claim 8 comprising: the gripper further comprising a first cap and a second cap; the first cap being terminally attached to the first leg, opposite to the second leg; and the second cap being terminally attached to the second leg, opposite to the first leg.
 10. A ball holder for punt training comprising: a base; a length-adjustable post; a support arm; an intermediary connector; a gripper; a post-receiving receptacle; the base being terminally mounted to the length-adjustable post; the length-adjustable post being oriented perpendicular to the base; the support arm being laterally mounted onto the length-adjustable post; the support arm being positioned offset from the base along the length-adjustable post; the intermediary connector being terminally mounted onto the support arm; the intermediary connector being positioned offset from the length-adjustable post along the support arm; the gripper being mounted adjacent to the intermediary connector, opposite to the support arm; the post receiving receptacle being mounted onto the base; and the length-adjustable post engaging into the post receiving receptacle.
 11. The ball holder for punt training as claimed in claim 10 comprising: the length-adjustable post comprising a sleeve, a support post, and a length-adjustment mechanism; the support post being slidably engaged within the sleeve; and the length-adjustment mechanism being integrated in between the support post and the sleeve.
 12. The ball holder for punt training as claimed in claim 11 comprising: the length-adjustment mechanism comprising a plurality of adjustment holes and at least one spring-loaded peg; the plurality of adjustment holes laterally traversing through the sleeve; the plurality of adjustment holes being distributed along the sleeve; the spring-loaded peg being laterally integrated into the support post; and the spring-loaded peg engaging into an arbitrary hole from the plurality of adjustment holes.
 13. The ball holder for punt training as claimed in claim 10 comprising: a mounting hole; the mounting hole laterally traversing through the length-adjustable post; the mounting hole being positioned offset from the base across the length-adjustable post; and the support arm engaging into the mounting hole.
 14. The ball holder for punt training as claimed in claim 1 comprising: the intermediary connector comprising an arm-receiving receptacle and a flexible fastener; the support arm engaging into the arm-receiving receptacle; the flexible fastener being adjacently connected to the arm-receiving receptacle, opposite to the support arm; and the flexible fastener being connected in between the arm-receiving receptacle and the gripper.
 15. The ball holder for punt training as claimed in claim 14, wherein the flexible fastener is a spring.
 16. The ball holder for punt training as claimed in claim 10 comprising: the gripper comprising a first leg and a second leg; the first leg being terminally connected to the second leg; the second leg being angularly offset from the first leg; and the intermediary connector being attached to the terminal connection between the first leg and the second leg.
 17. The ball holder for punt training as claimed in claim 16 comprising: the gripper further comprising a first cap and a second cap; the first cap being terminally attached to the first leg, opposite to the second leg; and the second cap being terminally attached to the second leg, opposite to the first leg. 